China, Germany Agree Syria Needs Political Solution

China has repeatedly expressed opposition to the use of force to resolve the crisis in Syria, saying that a political solution was the only way out, Li said.

He said the urgency of resolving the Syria situation issue was rising, Reuters reported.

"The most important thing is to seize the opportunity to implement a political resolution and set up an equal, inclusive and open political dialogue," he told reporters.

He said many global leaders had made suggestions about how to tackle the crisis.

"We hope that we can put together these suggestions, and particularly through the United Nations, this organization, advance the resolution of the Syria issue," Li said, adding China would continue to play a "constructive role".

"We need a diplomatic political solution," Merkel said. "It is urgent to find one. At least there are signs for a format of talks that will bring the necessary participants together."

The remarks were made as a meeting is due to be held on Friday on ways to end the ongoing crisis in Syria. Several countries including Russia, the US, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Iran are scheduled to attend the meeting.

The Friday meeting will be preceded by another meeting due to be held Thursday on the Syrian crisis with top diplomats scheduled to attend, a source in the Russian Foreign Ministry said Wednesday.

Syria has been gripped by civil war since March 2011. According to the United Nations, more than 240,000 people have been killed and one million wounded during the conflict.